About Kirkland & Ellis
At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.
What You’ll Do
Are you an experienced security leader ready to protect people, assets, and operations in a dynamic professional services environment? As the Site Security Manager for our Chicago office and related facilities, you will oversee day-to-day security and life safety operations, ensuring the Firm’s programs and standards are consistently applied and maintained. Reporting to the Regional Security Manager (Americas) and working closely with the Director of Operations, you will safeguard personnel, respond to incidents, and manage vendor relationships to ensure a safe, secure, and professional environment.
This is a fully onsite position based in our Chicago office and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. The role may require work outside standard business hours to support emergencies or special events.
Security Program Leadership – Enhance and maintain written security policies, procedures, and programs covering access control, alarm response, life safety, and emergency response plans.
Emergency Preparedness – Support and train emergency evacuation and crisis teams to ensure readiness for a variety of scenarios.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation – Conduct vulnerability assessments and implement effective measures to protect personnel, property, and operations.
Access Control Oversight – Manage the access control platform, perform badge audits, and ensure appropriate clearance levels for all personnel.
Vendor & System Management – Oversee security vendors for system installations, upgrades, and modifications; coordinate programming, testing, and troubleshooting of access control, intrusion, and CCTV systems.
Incident Response & Investigation – Provide emergency response support, document incidents, and assist with investigations to prevent recurrence.
Special Event Security – Plan and coordinate security for Firm functions, including guest access, employee escorts, and high-profile visits.
Cross-Program Support – Assist with related programs such as emergency communications, travel risk management, workplace violence prevention, and global intelligence initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement – Build strong relationships with vendors, business partners, law enforcement, and first responders, serving as the primary liaison for local agencies.
What You’ll Bring
Education – Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Business Administration, or equivalent; or a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in a corporate or professional services security environment.
Experience – Proven track record as a facility security manager, including hands-on experience managing security in high-rise office buildings. Strong local network in law enforcement and the security industry.
Technical Expertise – Experience with Software House access control systems, ExacqVision CCTV software, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Regulatory Knowledge – Understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for high-rise office buildings.
Investigative Skills – Experience conducting investigations, interviews, and depositions; certification in interviewing/interrogation preferred.
Professionalism Under Pressure – Ability to remain composed, make sound decisions quickly, and manage multiple priorities in high-pressure or emergency situations.
Relationship Building – Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external partners.
Preferred Certifications – ASIS International designations such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP).
If you’re ready to lead security operations in a high-profile environment where safety, service, and professionalism are paramount, we’d love to hear from you!
Compensation
The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.
Compensation Range:
Chicago: $126,000.00 - $141,000.00
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click “Apply Now.”
Don’t meet every job requirement? That’s okay! If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-AR

Please refer the Job description for details